GoDavis.bizhttp://godavis.biz/blog
Davis County events, coupons, and businesses blogFri, 16 Feb 2018 13:00:30 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.4.14Hike: The Frary Peak Trailhttp://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/16/hike-frary-peak-trail/
http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/16/hike-frary-peak-trail/#respondFri, 16 Feb 2018 13:00:30 +0000http://godavis.biz/blog/?p=577By Brody Bovero One of the secrets about Antelope Island that only the locals know is that winter arrives late and it leaves early due to its lower elevation. While trails in the Wasatch Mountains and foothills are covered with two, three, or six feet of snow, many of the trails out on the island … Continue reading "Hike: The Frary Peak Trail"

One of the secrets about Antelope Island that only the locals know is that winter arrives late and it leaves early due to its lower elevation. While trails in the Wasatch Mountains and foothills are covered with two, three, or six feet of snow, many of the trails out on the island are still clear for a nice day hike. In early December, I was fortunate enough to tag along with my son, Miles, and his compadres from local Boy Scout Troop 882 (pronounced eight-eight deuce), on a day hike up to Frary Peak.

At an elevation of 6,569 ft above sea level, Frary Peak doesn’t catch the imagination of mountain climber types, but as the highest point on Antelope Island, it furnishes first-class views of the Wasatch Front and the Great Salt Lake.

The entire hike takes about 4 to 5 hours and has an elevation gain of 2,050 over 3.5 miles. According to the Antelope Island State Park trail map, the trail is 6.4 miles round trip. As peak-hiking goes, Frary Peak is one of the easiest in the Salt Lake area. Like many areas of the island, the best time to go is in the fall or early spring. Due to lack of shade, the trail can be a scorcher in the summer unless you attempt it early in the morning or late in the evening.

A trail map is available at the entrance gate of the state park. The hike starts at the Frary Peak Trailhead, which is located on the east side of the Island. At first, the trail climbs at a rather steep angle but there are several sections along the way that level off before the escalation continues. Our scouts easily handled the climb, although it might prove a little difficult for young children. Miles and his friends were soon on their way into the backcountry of the island, talking, kicking rocks, and taking pictures with their phones.

The trail takes several twists and turns which constantly gives new and interesting views of the island and the lake. In due time we made it to the top where we could look out upon both sides of the island. Our scouts were surprised to find an old mailbox that had been placed on the peak where past hikers have left messages and little odd trinkets for future hikers to enjoy. We stopped for a snack and took some time reading through the journal entries and checking out a Rubik’s Cube that someone had placed in the mailbox.

On a clear day, you can see mountain peaks from Juab County all the way up into Box Elder County from Frary Peak. On this day, however, there was fog and inversion down below. We climbed up above the inversion and into the warm, beautiful December sunshine. The views from above almost gave us a sense of floating on an island in the sky as the other mountain peaks jutted up above the inversion and into the blue sky.

The quietness of the island’s backcountry is also impressive. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle along the Wasatch Front, our little group was immersed in the quietness of nature. The breeze running along the grass. The wind flowing through the wings of a black bird that was gliding along the cliffs below, and the sounds of our shoes climbing over rocks.

If you are like me and you get cabin fever around this time of winter, just remember early spring is around the corner. This can be an excellent time to get out, stretch your legs, and enjoy some sunshine. For most of us in Syracuse, we can easily look across the lake to see the conditions on the island. If the snow is mostly gone, then it’s time for a day hike.

INFO

To Get There: Frary Peak Trailhead on the east side of the island

The hike: 4-5 hours, 6.4 miles round trip, elevation gain is 2,050

Peak fun: A mailbox at the mountaintop contains messages and fun trinkets

]]>http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/16/hike-frary-peak-trail/feed/0Kindergarten Registrationhttp://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/15/kindergarten-registration/
http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/15/kindergarten-registration/#respondThu, 15 Feb 2018 13:00:51 +0000http://godavis.biz/blog/?p=548Syracuse Elementary will be registering new Kindergarten students for the upcoming 2018-19 school year during the week of March 12-16, 2018. A child who resides within Syracuse Elementary boundaries may register for Kindergarten in 2018-19 if they are 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2018, as required by Utah State Law. If … Continue reading "Kindergarten Registration"

Syracuse Elementary will be registering new Kindergarten students for the upcoming 2018-19 school year during the week of March 12-16, 2018. A child who resides within Syracuse Elementary boundaries may register for Kindergarten in 2018-19 if they are 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2018, as required by Utah State Law. If you have a child who qualifies, please call 801-402-2600 to receive registration materials.

]]>http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/15/kindergarten-registration/feed/0Looking For Love in the Deserthttp://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/14/looking-love-desert/
http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/14/looking-love-desert/#respondWed, 14 Feb 2018 16:00:17 +0000http://godavis.biz/blog/?p=616The onslaught of pink and red hearts, frilly Valentines, the promise of roses, love poems, candy, or jewelry is already upon us. It can only mean one thing: Valentine’s Day and all its romance and loving wishes is around the corner. Valentine, an early Christian, was martyred on February 14th, the same day an ancient … Continue reading "Looking For Love in the Desert"

The onslaught of pink and red hearts, frilly Valentines, the promise of roses, love poems, candy, or jewelry is already upon us. It can only mean one thing: Valentine’s Day and all its romance and loving wishes is around the corner.

Valentine, an early Christian, was martyred on February 14th, the same day an ancient Roman love lottery took place annually, and so, once raised to sainthood, St. Valentine somehow transitioned to being the patron saint of lovers everywhere.

The holiday has been observed in some form for more than a few centuries, and beginning in the Victorian Era and straight into 2018 people have celebrated this romantic day in high style, spending a lot of money on trinkets to show their affection.

But, what was happening in the late 1800s in the pioneer west where life was more hardscrabble and certainly few homesteaders had the time, money, or energy to celebrate a day devoted to love? More than likely, February the 14th was yet just one more day in a seemingly endless winter. Farm life paused for no one or no special day. The cows might still have to be milked, firewood chopped, laundry washed, meals cooked, sick children worried over. There is no hard evidence at the Syracuse Museum that the early residents of Syracuse and the surrounding towns sent Valentine’s cards, planned romantic candlelit meals—gosh, every meal was eaten by candle light or gas lamp. The big cities on the east coast were one world, but out here during that time, roses were unavailable—especially in winter—there were no fine, white tablecloth restaurants, and costly chocolate candy was not an option, especially when money was tight and necessary staples had to be purchased for the family’s survival.

So does this mean there was never any attempt at romance or pretty, frilly things? There is one clue at the Syracuse Museum that lets us peek into the world of the average person of that time period: hand-made lace items and delicate crochet creations. Somehow, pioneer women transformed simple cotton threads into gossamer hats, doilies, dress collars, and clothing embellishments. It’s not difficult to envision rough, chapped hands with a crochet hook forming a cap or tatting with bobbins and a pillow to make lace. There are many examples of fine lacework and crocheting on display throughout the museum cases that offer silent testimony to the skill and craft of the pioneer woman. She may have faced long, hard days helping her husband and children carve out a life in the fields, but at some point—perhaps after dinner or on a stormy day—she made time to allow her feminine side to surface as she lovingly made these precious items.

One thing on display that speaks volumes is a simple camisole. Skilled fingers from many decades ago added a lacy crochet edge along the neck and shoulder area. Surely, a wife wanted to look appealing to her husband and perhaps this led to a romantic interlude.

Hearts? Candy? Flowers in the winter of 1885 in Utah? Probably not. But efforts were made to soften the edges of a hard life with few interludes to celebrate romance. This romance may not have been what we would embrace, but there was love within families and communities that shone through, not on just one special day in February, but all the year round.

♥ When I was a young girl living in St.George we loved leaving goodies on friends and family’s doorsteps, knock and run. Those that were receiving the goody would try to catch those leaving the treat. We caught my uncle up a tree one year trying to hide from us. It was lots of fun!!!

Whip up a batch of these easy Valentine-themed sugar cookies for your loved ones this month!

Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers

by Melissa Spelts

2 bell peppers – cut in half

Mix

1 can of chicken, 12.5 oz (we buy ours from Costco)

1 avocado (diced)

1 to 2 Tbsp. of Mayo

2 tsp. of mustard

Stuff and eat. It’s so yummy!

Mayo Substitutes…

Greek Yogurt

Olive Oil

Mashed Avocado

Hummus

Best Sugar Cookies

by Melissa Spelts

This is my Mom’s favorite sugar cookie recipe. It truly is the BEST! I loved when my mom made these. I have many fond memories of cutting out the hearts with the cookie cutter, putting them on the cookie sheet and waiting for them to be cooked and cooled so I could decorate them. They always tasted AMAZING! Just thinking back on them I feel the LOVE my mom had for us. It wasn’t about the treat as much as the time she spent with us making them.

Cream together

1 C. butter

2 C. sugar

3 eggs

Add

1 C. buttermilk and beat well

1 Tbsp. vanilla

½ tsp. soda and salt

4 tsp. baking powder

5 C. flour

Mix all ingredients well. Add flour last.

Set in covered container in refrigerator at least 3 hours. Dough will set up more during this time. (the dough will be soft.)

Roll out ¼ to ½” thickness on floured surface. Cut with cookie cutters. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees. DO NOT Brown! Frost and decorate. Makes 4 dozen cookies!

Creamy White Frosting

by Melissa Spelts

1 C. butter (softened)

1 ½ tsp vanilla

4 ½ C. powdered sugar

4 Tbsp milk

I love this recipe. It is so easy and delicious! Throw all ingredients in a mixer and beat together for 30 to 60 seconds and it is done. We use this recipe for all our frosting needs: cakes, cinnamon rolls, and of course sugar cookies!

]]>http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/13/february-recipes-sweet-savory/feed/0Public Workshttp://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/12/public-works-3/
http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/12/public-works-3/#respondMon, 12 Feb 2018 13:00:06 +0000http://godavis.biz/blog/?p=545During the months of December through March, you may use your green can for regular household waste. For more information, contact the utility department at 801-825-1477, option 1. Public Works info: http://www.syracuseut.com/Departments/PublicWorks/PublicWorksInfo.aspx Road Construction Updates: http://www.syracuseut.com/Departments/PublicWorks/RoadConstructionUpdates.aspx *Posted with permission from Syracuse.com

]]>http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/12/public-works-3/feed/0Wild About Birds Nature Centerhttp://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/12/wild-birds-nature-center/
http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/12/wild-birds-nature-center/#respondMon, 12 Feb 2018 06:07:20 +0000http://godavis.biz/blog/?p=562Happy New Year! We hope you have been enjoying the flocks of hungry birds at your feeders this month as much as we are. It’s nice to see Dark-eyed Juncos, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Pine Siskin mixed in with the many American Goldfinches at our feeders. The songbirds have enjoyed a rather mild winter season thus … Continue reading "Wild About Birds Nature Center"

Happy New Year! We hope you have been enjoying the flocks of hungry birds at your feeders this month as much as we are. It’s nice to see Dark-eyed Juncos, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Pine Siskin mixed in with the many American Goldfinches at our feeders.

The songbirds have enjoyed a rather mild winter season thus far. Two bird species making a splash this early winter season have been the Stellerâ€™s Jay and Red-breasted Nuthatch. The two species have made the short distance migration in elevation dropping down into our valleys and visiting our backyard seed and suet feeders due to the lack of a certain pine cone preference they enjoy at higher elevations.

Steller’s Jay

Large crested jay with a black head and crest with a blue body. The head has a slight white eyebrow. Steller’s jays will visit backyard feeders and have a preference for black-oil sunflower seed and shelled raw peanuts (peanut splits). Suet is also favored in the winter season.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Blue-gray upper-parts and rust-brown underparts. Head has a black cap, white eyebrow, black eye stripe. At feeders, it will take sunflower seeds, peanut splits, and suet. Red-breasted Nuthatches hoard excess food by wedging nuts into bark and then hammering them in with their bills. They can be found creeping up and down the trunks of trees searching for insects within the bark furrows.

Mark your calendars! We have some fun events coming up.

February 10th is Bald Eagle Day at the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management AreaÂ – 1325 W. Glover Lane (925 S.) Come learn more about the stately symbol of the U.S. while experiencing them in their natural habitat. We will be there fromÂ 9am â€“ 3pmÂ ready to teach and share our love of these birds. The UDWR will be providing spotting scopes for the public to get a good look at the eagles.

February 16-19Â is the Great Backyard Bird Count. Hop ontoÂ BirdCount.orgÂ and join us in recording which feathered friends are visiting our area. Whether youâ€™re looking out your window, walking a nature path, or just running daily errands, we want to know which species and how many youâ€™re seeing.

]]>http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/12/wild-birds-nature-center/feed/0Student of the Monthhttp://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/09/student-of-the-month/
http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/09/student-of-the-month/#respondFri, 09 Feb 2018 13:00:45 +0000http://godavis.biz/blog/?p=537Caroline Stringfellow Caroline was nominated for this award based on her determination on and off the field/court. Her ability to balance school, work, and the many sports she participates in on a daily basis is outstanding. As Mr. Williams stated, “Caroline is a force to be reckoned with.” Caroline is best known for leading the … Continue reading "Student of the Month"

Caroline was nominated for this award based on her determination on and off the field/court. Her ability to balance school, work, and the many sports she participates in on a daily basis is outstanding. As Mr. Williams stated, “Caroline is a force to be reckoned with.” Caroline is best known for leading the Syracuse High School soccer team to a region title, its first playoff game, and advancing the team to the championship game. Caroline was named 2017 All-Area Girls Soccer MVP as a freshman. She is also a member of the La Roca Soccer club, that won the state championship, the Western Regionals, and was in the semifinals of the National Championship. Caroline was also on the honor roll first term. www.facebook.com/standardexaminer/posts/1805446099467454

]]>http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/09/student-of-the-month/feed/0Police Dept Receives Awardhttp://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/08/513/
http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/08/513/#respondThu, 08 Feb 2018 13:00:47 +0000http://godavis.biz/blog/?p=513Syracuse Police Department is pleased to announce that our community received special recognition from the National Association of Town Watch for our involvement in the National Night Out Against Crime event. This was the third consecutive year that the Syracuse Police Department has sponsored this event, and the second consecutive year that our community has … Continue reading "Police Dept Receives Award"

Syracuse Police Department is pleased to announce that our community received special recognition from the National Association of Town Watch for our involvement in the National Night Out Against Crime event. This was the third consecutive year that the Syracuse Police Department has sponsored this event, and the second consecutive year that our community has received an award.

The National Association of Town Watch considered our 2017 event to be the 30th most successful event in the nation for cities with populations between 15,000 and 50,000; we moved up eight spots over our 2016 event.

Syracuse Police Department would like to thank the City Council for making this great police/community event possible. We would also like to thank the community and all our event partners for making it a great success.

]]>http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/08/513/feed/0Community Question Corner Secondary Water Chargeshttp://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/07/community-question-corner-secondary-water-charges/
http://godavis.biz/blog/2018/02/07/community-question-corner-secondary-water-charges/#respondWed, 07 Feb 2018 13:00:00 +0000http://godavis.biz/blog/?p=517By Paul Roberts, City Attorney Question: Why is the City charging me for secondary water during the winter, when the secondary water system is turned off? Answer: Syracuse’s secondary water system (sprinkler water) includes about 120 miles of pipe, 8000 service points, and other infrastructure, delivering about 2.6 billion gallons of water each year. The … Continue reading "Community Question Corner Secondary Water Charges"

Question: Why is the City charging me for secondary water during the winter, when the secondary water system is turned off?

Answer: Syracuse’s secondary water system (sprinkler water) includes about 120 miles of pipe, 8000 service points, and other infrastructure, delivering about 2.6 billion gallons of water each year.

The largest costs of the fund are: (1) water supplier assessments, (2) administrative and employee compensation, and (3) capital projects. New development pays impact fees to expand the system, and costs to operate and maintain the system are relatively predictable.

With predictable costs, the City assesses a predictable fee that can be budgeted for throughout the year. When we pay our secondary water bill during the winter, we are ensuring that the bill remains steady year-round, rather than fluctuating upward during the summer months. If we only charged when the water was on, secondary water fees during the six-month irrigation season would double, and then return to zero during the off-season.

For the sake of predictability on the part of the user, and for uniformity in administration, our Council has opted to have a uniform fee assessed throughout the year. We hope this is helpful for budgeting and for those who are on a fixed income.